Today’s Blunder Then Blender recipe is in honor of Gidget, the Taco Bell chihuahua, who died this week of a stroke at age 15. You remember Gidget and her famous line “Yo quiero Taco Bell.”  

Truth is, I’ve never “quiero’d” Taco Bell myself. But if I was gonna, it would have been Gidget to push me across the border. She was cute and funny. And probably had no clue what the heck she was being made to do. But I hope she had a good life anyway…with lots of kibble and a big doggie pillow. And that she wasn’t exploited by the humans around her, as humans tend to do.

What does any of this have to do with needing a cocktail to wash away guilt? It reminded me that I STILL haven’t gotten Julia a dog. 

Anyway, here’s to you, Gidget!  Hope you’re having fun in the big dog run in the sky!

THE SALTY CHIHUAHUA 

Coarse salt (optional)

4 ounces tequila, divided

2 ounces orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau, divided

3 cups grapefruit juice, divided

4 grapefruit slices for garnish

Wet the rims of 4 glasses and coat with coarse salt (if desired); fill the glasses with ice. Pour 1 ounce tequila and 1/2 ounce liqueur into each. Top each with 3/4 cup grapefruit juice and stir. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per cocktail: 188 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 0 g fiber; 3 mg sodium; 303 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (120% daily value), Vitamin A (15% dv).

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 other carbohydrate

Remember, don’t feel guilt and drive. And if you’re gonna drive…drive thru Taco Bell and get a chalupa in honor of Gidget.